Spotlight Ethio Magazine Issue 8 : simplebooklet.com

INSIDESPOTLIGHT ETHIOVOLUME1 ISSUE 8CONTENTSOMISHTU-JOY:AI MEETS AGRICULTUREpg. 03This agri-tech startup is using AI to revolutionize the Ethiopian agriculture industry.AFRICAN COUNTRIES DECLARE VISA-FREE TRAVELFind out which countries are at the forefront of fostering intercontinental business and tourism with this new policy.pg. 04HOTEL PICKSpg. 05pg. 06HARNESSING AFRICA’S YOUTHFUL POPULACEThe latest forecasts show that Africa’s population will undergo a huge change—one in four people be African by 2050.pg. 07DINING PICKSSee how this startup is spearheading home-based healthcare services in Ethiopia.LIFELINE ADDIS: BRIDGING THE HEALTHCARE GAPpg. 08Why Addis Ababa ranks second globally in attracting FDI for data centers.DRAWING IN FDI FOR DATA CENTERSpg. 09pg. 10“GREEN” BANKS IN AFRICAHow this initiative will address Africa’s climate finance gap.Our selection of Top 5 Leaders and the results they produced within their business ventures.BUSINESS LEADERSpg. 12FEATURE STORY: YOADAN TILAHUNpg. 13pg. 17A selection of four trailblazers across the African continent.AROUND AFRICApg. 18EVENTS TO WATCHpg. 19ACHIEVERSOur selection of Top 5 Achiever’s in their respective fields.pg. 20DIAMOND CLASSpg. 21CONTACT02INSIDEDECEMBER 2023OUTSIDE THE BOX: ABLENAE DAWIT pg. 11

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STARTUP STORYOmishtu-Joy, an innovative agri-tech startup, is revolutionizing Ethiopian agriculture by empowering smallholder farmers with its AI-powered soil testing devices. This cutting-edge technology provides rapid soil fertility analysis in just 10 minutes. The data is then seamlessly transmitted to a mobile app for detailed analysis. It offers vital insights to guide farmers in choosing the most suitable crops for their land, thereby optimizing yield.Currently, Omishtu-Joy is assisting over 5,000 farmers, helping them make informed decisions about crop cultivation and fertilization. Their fast, affordable solution has captured the attention of the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, leading to a partnership aimed at enhancing soil fertility management across the nation.With ambitions to expand its impact, Omishtu-Joy aims to support more than 10,000 farmers. In pursuit of this goal, the startup is collaborating with the Cooperative Bank of Oromia to branch into financial services. This expansion plan includes providing credit facilities and insurance services, further bolstering the resources available to smallholder farmers.Their innovative efforts have been recognized; Omishtu-Joy was recently named a 2023 East Africa Com Awards finalist. The startup was founded by Tigabu Abraham (CEO), Henok Ambaye (CMO), and Abdiwak Bekele (CTO), who are all electrical and computer engineering graduates from Jimma University.OMISHTU-JOY:ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM 03DECEMBER 2023

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GROWTH OPPORTUNITYRwanda and Kenya are at the forefront of fostering intercontinental business and tourism by introducing visa-free travel for African nationals. With Kenya set to implement this initiative by the end of the year, they join other progressive nations like Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles in easing border policies.This move underscores the continent's recognition of its burgeoning middle class and its pivotal role in the future of global tourism. Despite Africa's vision to become a unified tourist hub, 60% of its tourists still come from outside the continent, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. In addition to individual country initiatives, some regions, sub-regional groups, and bilateral agreements have also led to visa-free and even passport-free access. Notably, countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya have facilitated cross-border travel within the East African Community without needing passports. A similar agreement has recently been established between Botswana and Namibia. Despite these significant strides, as of the end of 2022, only 27% of African routes permitted visa-free travel for African nationals, as reported by the World Economic Forum.The widespread implementation of this new visa policy could be a significant turning point. It holds the potential to unlock Africa's vast tourism and economic potential by promoting the free movement of goods, services, people, and ideas across the continent. A recent report published by the World Travel and Tourism Council suggests that travel and tourism could add $168 billion to the continent's economy and create more than 18 million jobs over the next ten years. AFRICAN COUNTRIES DECLARE VISA-FREE TRAVEL SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM 04DECEMBER 2023

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06Recent UN forecasts indicate that Africa's population will change dramatically, with projections showing a doubling of its population to over 2 billion by 2050. This growth will account for most of the world's population increase during this period.As a result of its rapid population expansion in the coming decades, Africa is expected to comprise 25% of the world's population by 2050 and nearly 40% by 2100. Despite a gradual reduction in fertility levels, this substantial increase is primarily driven by the momentum of past growth, rooted in the youthful age structure of the current population.Globally, the population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and stabilize at around 10.4 billion by 2100. Over half of this projected growth up to 2050 is anticipated in just eight countries: Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tanzania. In recent years, many sub-Saharan African countries have seen an increase in their working-age population (between 25 and 64 years) due to declining fertility rates, offering a time-limited chance for accelerated economic growth known as the "demographic dividend." To fully harness this potential, these countries must invest in human capital development, including healthcare, quality education, and opportunities for productive employment and decent work.HARNESSING AFRICA’S YOUTHFUL POPULATION SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM..second boxECONOMIC UPDATE DECEMBER 2023

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT07Marcus Addis Entoto Restaurant47th oor of the CBE skyscraper, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaMarcus Addis is an elegant new restaurant by the world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson featuring a fusion of international cuisine with an Ethiopian twist. Abyssinia Real Estate Building, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaEntoto Restaurant is an extraordinary fine dining experience with a luxurious ambiance, offering an ever-changing menu inspired by seasonal produce.Edna Mall, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaA chic cafe and cocktail bar, this establishment offers specialty coffees, breakfast and lunch options, tasty treats, and creative cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.The Coffee CollectionMa City Mall,Addis Ababa, EthiopiaThis new exquisite cafe is known for its impressive drinks, fine coffee made with high-quality beans from local roasters, and delectable food selections in a modern setting. Dukamo CoffeeDINING PICKS SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMDECEMBER 2023

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STARTUP STORY as a premier health gig platform, targeting the creation of 10,000 jobs in the sector. With comprehensive care packages, from managing chronic diseases to preventive wellness and amenities like pharmacy services and essential medical equipment, Lifeline Addis is redefining patient care in the comfort of one's home.Lifeline Addis is spearheading the availability of home-based healthcare services for patients in Ethiopia.Founded by Drs. Solomon Desalegn, Yonas Kifle, and Kaleab Getachew, the company has rapidly emerged as a leading force in Ethiopian home health care within just four years. Today, the Lifeline team boasts three full-time general practitioners, 17 dedicated nurses, and an array of psychotherapists. Additionally, they collaborate with 50 health professionals who offer their expertise on-demand, embodying the modern gig economy.Through its partnership with the Mesirat program, Lifeline Addis aspires not just to be a health service but also a significant employmentLIFELINE ADDIS:BRIDGING THE GAP IN HEALTH CARE SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM 08DECEMBER 2023

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09According to a 2022 study by fDi Intelligence, Addis Ababa emerged as the world's second-best location for setting up a data center, trailing only behind Beijing and ahead of London. This study evaluated 100 of the world's top cities for foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in data centers, ranking them based on factors such as labor availability and quality, industry clusters, infrastructure, accessibility, and the overall business and living environments, all while considering competitive pricing.Emerging economies, particularly those with rising internet penetration rates, are becoming hotspots for FDI in data centers, crucial for powering rapid digitalization. Key factors attracting such investments include a liberal telecom sector and clear data protection laws. Ethiopia's telecom sector, liberalized in recent years, saw a significant investment of $100 million from Vodafone-owned Safaricom, which established its inaugural prefabricated data center in 2021 after acquiring Ethiopia's first private mobile telecom license.Since 2018, over 14 companies have secured investment licenses for data centers and cloud services in Addis Ababa. RedFox Solutions Group, a diaspora-owned enterprise, became the first private firm to launch a $130 million data center in Ethiopia, inaugurating its operations in September 2022 within the Ethio ICT Park. In mid-2023,ADDIS ABABA RANKS SECOND IN ATTRACTING FDI FOR DATA CENTERS SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMDjibouti's Wingu Africa inaugurated a $50 million data center, marking Ethiopia's first carrier-neutral and commercial facility to host the country's Internet Exchange. And most recently, the US-based Raxio Group also launched a $30 million carrier-neutral data center in Addis Ababa.The proliferation of data centers in Ethiopia and across Africa is crucial to provide faster and more efficient internet connections, ensure data sovereignty, and support local technological progress.ECONOMIC UPDATE DECEMBER 2023

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ADDRESSING AFRICA’S CLIMATE FINANCE GAP WITH “GREEN BANKS” SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMled green banks. For instance, the AfDB, in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund, raised funding for Rwanda's Ireme Invest, contributing to its $142 million capitalization from various global development agencies.The initiative's goal is ambitious: by 2030, it aims to foster an ecosystem of green investment facilities across Africa valued at up to $1.5 billion. This network of green banks is expected to mobilize funds for transformative climate projects, significantly enhancing Africa's capacity to combat climate change. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched the African Green Bank Initiative, marking a significant stride in Africa's climate finance journey. This initiative has already facilitated the creation of four green banks in Benin, Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Egypt and capitalized Rwanda's green investment facility, Ireme Invest. The initiative, launched at COP 27, reflects Africa's proactive approach to addressing the scarcity of climate finance from international meetings.Despite being highly vulnerable to climate change, Africa receives only 3% of global climate finance. The continent's population of over 1.4 billion faces increased risk from climate-related disasters due to inadequate funding for climate-resilient projects. As a solution, green banks are blended financial instruments within existing financial institutions, designed to attract climate finance from international and local investors by overcoming traditional investment barriers and de-risking investment for private sector participation.The African Green Bank Initiative establishes new climate facilities and aids in financing government-GROWTH OPPORTUNITY 10DECEMBER 2023

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OUTSIDE THE BOXIn an industry often celebrated for its creative flair, the significance of sound business principles in fashion can be overlooked. In an exclusive interview with Spotlight Ethio, Ablenae, CEO of Sewasew Design, sheds light on this critical aspect. From his perspective, focusing more on the business and marketing sides of the industry is essential for a fashion brand's success. Ablenae's insights provide a unique glimpse into the often-understated business acumen required to thrive in the competitive fashion world.Building a Scalable Fashion BrandThe fashion industry, known for its fierce competition, demands more than just creativity to sustain a brand. "In many parts of the world, fashion is a huge industry with billion-dollar companies, but in Ethiopia, fashion businesses are very much SMEs," Ablenae explains. He emphasizes that while Ethiopia doesn't lack creativity, it does need scalable business models. "Focusing on operational improvements like better customer service, distribution, and structured management can take us a long way," he suggests, highlighting the need for foundational business strategies to ensure longevity and impact.Ablenae notes the importance of balancing originality with market demands to attract and retain customer interest. "We try to find a sweet spot between creating originality and understanding what our customers want." The distinction between marketing and the business aspects is also crucial. Ablenae describes it as a juggle, where the creative aspirations of the design team, led by Sewasew Hailu, must be balanced with the practicalities of production and finance. "We have very heated arguments about this," he admits with a laugh.Keys to Success and Adaptive GrowthIn defining success for a fashion line, Ablenae offers a multi-dimensional perspective. "Success starts with social media feedback, but the true indicators are revenue and customer satisfaction," he asserts. He challenges the notion that striving for profit is taboo locally, emphasizing that revenue is a tangible measure of product acceptance. "The greatest joy, however, comes when customers reach out to tell us they're happy with their purchase."Discussing the challenges and opportunities in scaling his business, Ablenae identified the lack of access to capital, a common hurdle for local startups and SMEs, especially in a product-centric business such as fashion. Speaking about the unique challenges in Ethiopia, he points out, "Starting a fashion business here often means manufacturing your own products, as outsourcing small-scale, high-quality production isn't yet feasible." To address these barriers, the company is launching Sewasew Apparel, an outsourcing manufacturing business and a premium custom-made only brand led by Designer Sewasew Hailu, showcasing its adaptive growth and diversification strategy.Personal and Business DevelopmentFinally, Ablenae advocates for the convergence of self-development and business growth. "The biggest limitation a person has is themselves. Working on oneself is as important as working on the business," he concludes, underscoring a holistic approach to entrepreneurship. All in all, Ablenae's insights offer a fresh lens on the fashion industry, focusing on strategic business development and the essential balance between creativity and operational viability. This approach signifies a keen understanding of the market and an agile response to its evolving needs, positioning Sewasew Design as both a leader and a catalyst for change in the Ethiopian fashion industry. SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM 11OUTSIDE THE BOXABLENAE DAWITDECEMBER 2023

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12TOP LEADERSTOP LEADERSLIYA KEBEDELiya Kebede is an accomplished supermodel, actress, designer, and maternal health advocate. She founded Lemlem, an artisan-driven collection made entirely in Africa, with a core mission of preserving the local art of weaving in Ethiopia and inspiring economic growth. Liya has successfully collaborated with global retailer H&M on a joint collection in 2021. She also founded Liya Kebede Foundation to reduce maternal mortality and is globally recognized for her work and philanthropic efforts. “Everything meaningful comes with daunting questions and obstacles. Don't let the fear of the unknown stop you from pursuing something you believe in.”“Ethiopia aspires to position itself as a technology hub and a digital economy powerhouse. The bedrock of such transformation can only be a digitally skilled workforce.”MIRAFE GEBRIEL MARCOSMirafe Gebriel Marcos is the Regional Director of ALX Ethiopia, a subsidiary of The African Leadership Group and a leading technology training provider offering fully sponsored youth programs locally. An executive leader with over 15 years of Ethiopian and international experience, Mirafe previously held positions as a Senior Director at the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency and Economist at the World Bank.ATTI WORKUAs the Africa Visionary Fund’s co-CEO, Atti Worku is focused on supporting the personal and organizational growth of African visionaries and their innovative impact ideas. Before this, Atti founded and led Seeds of Africa, a nonprofit developing the educational foundation for the next generation of Ethiopia’s leaders, and has impacted over 2,000 people. Atti’s efforts have been honored with global awards and recognitions. ZELALEM WOLDEMARIAMBefore founding Zeleman in 2005, Zelalem Woldemariam acquired extensive experience in sales and marketing in various companies. Over a decade later, Zelalem’s strong vision, strategic thinking, and familiarity with the consumer psyche in Ethiopia have enabled him to create the most extensive full-service communications, advertising, and production agency in Ethiopia with 100+ full-time employees and a global clientele. In addition, Zelalem is an award-winning film director. PAZION CHERINETAs the CEO of Orbit Health, a leading digital health company based in Ethiopia, Pazion Cherinet advocates for improving global health outcomes through innovative solutions. Pazion is also the first Ethiopian to be nominated for the African Prize for Engineering Innovation. He is also helping launch many more ventures in Ethiopia through Orbit Innovation Hub, an incubation center that accelerates digital innovations with an inclination towards healthcare.“If we foster inclusiveness in education, equality in economic opportunity, we can unlock the incredible human potential that is untapped for future generations.”“Challenges are everywhere, but it’s a mindset. If you believe you can and put in the work required, you will succeed.”LEMLEMALX ETHIOPIAAFRICA VISIONARY FUNDZELEMAN COMMUNICATIONSORBIT HEALTH & ORBIT INNOVATION HUB SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM “I had this urge in me to begin working on closing the economic gap using technology as a vehicle.”DECEMBER 2023

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13Yoadan Tilahun:Spearheading Africa’s Event Industry with ExcellenceRedefining global narratives, visionaries across Africa are setting new standards of excellence in various industries, showcasing that the often-underestimated continent is a powerhouse of innovation and quality. Among these vanguards stands Yoadan Tilahun, a dynamic force in the event management landscape. Masterfully orchestrating world-class events across the continent, she challenges the notion that top-tier service is limited to specific locales. "I love showing that excellence is not defined by the country, region, or continent we are from," Yoadan asserts in an exclusive interview with Spotlight Ethio.Yoadan has set new benchmarks in Ethiopia's event industry through her award-winning company, Flawless Events. Founded in 2008 upon her return to Ethiopia, when the event industry began taking shape, Flawless Events has rapidly become a leading name in top-tier event management, both within Ethiopia and across Africa. Flawless Events specializes in international conferences, trade fairs, and corporate events, offering end-to-end services spanning every corner of Africa, from The Gambia to Mauritius and the United States.Leveraging her MBA background, corporate America experience, and an innate passion for event planning, Yoadan has turned her flair for organization into a thriving enterprise. Committed to impeccable customer service and aligning with global trends without sacrificing quality, Flawless Events orchestrates over 100 events yearly for heads of state, business leaders, and major organizations. Their extensive client list includes the African Union, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UN agencies, and global brands like Coca-Cola, IBM, Google, and Heineken, highlighting their unparalleled ability to connect and create at the highest levels. SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMAn Exclusive Interview with Spotlight EthioDECEMBER 2023

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Setting the “Flawless” StandardTrue to her brand's ethos, Yoadan embodies an unwavering drive for excellence, distinguishing her in the industry. Her philosophy in work and life is simple yet profound: "If you are going to do something, then do it well; otherwise, why bother?" This statement isn't mere rhetoric; it forms the core of every event her company manages.Yoadan's approach goes beyond mere industry love; it's a rebellion against mediocrity. "I hate the 'good enough' mentality," she asserts, highlighting her dedication to exceeding expectations and consistently delivering outstanding results. "The pressure comes from meeting our own high standards – it's never about 'pleasing' our client; it's about achieving what we consider to be flawless delivery." This unyielding quest for perfection is her company's signature, transforming her passion into impactful experiences that resonate beyond the physical scope of the events she and her team expertly coordinate.14FEATURE STORY SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM“The pressure comes from meeting our own high standards – it's never about ‘pleasing’ our client; it’s about achieving what we consider to be flawless delivery.”“We lose sleep, sanity, time with family, and even money to deliver for our clients –so, why not be bold and brag about what a team dedicated to a common goal can achieve?”Challenges, Sacrifices and ResiliencyManaging events, especially in the challenging terrain of Ethiopia, involves an intricate balance of asserting expertise, reevaluating assumptions, and managing expectations. "Many underestimate the work and details necessary to pull off an event; events are complicated in general and more so in Ethiopia," Yoadan observes. The complexities are manifold, from navigating client emotions and ensuring vendor quality to overcoming bureaucratic challenges. Therefore, she emphasizes that it's crucial to understand the client's definition of success and align it with your company's values, competencies, and willingness to go the extra mile to deliver as promised.Yoadan acknowledges this pursuit's sacrifices: "We lose sleep, sanity, time with family, and even money to deliver for our clients." However, the pride and fulfillment from exceeding expectations provide a unique emotional and physical high. She advocates for celebrating these achievements: "Why not be bold and brag about what a team dedicated to a common goal can achieve?"But even with good knowledge and expertise, Yoadan admits to the inevitability of shortcomings. In such instances, their response is as commendable as their successes. "We own up, apologize, refund, reflect, learn, and grow from it," Yoadan shares, highlighting a culture of accountability and continuous learning. She emphasizes the importance of institutionalizing these lessons, ensuring that every experience, good or bad, contributes to refining their services. Event planning has not only shaped Yoadan's professional trajectory but has also been a source of personal enrichment. Across countless events, she has had the opportunity to meet country leaders, influential personalities, stars, and business mavens. She has also been part of humbling discussions and introspective initiatives that have shaped her own outlook on life. Along the way, she has also forged enduring friendships, with many even generously extending their support to her and her company.DECEMBER 2023

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Transferable Skills For Any JourneyFrom Yoadan's early academic days at Lycee, through her corporate tenure in America, to her entrepreneurial venture in Ethiopia, the key traits consistent in her journey were hard work, discipline, and honesty. Her stint at the World Bank and private companies in America further sharpened her work ethic and professional acumen. "The American corporate culture put me on the straight and narrow," Yoadan recalls, emphasizing the value of punctuality, dedication, and the ability to collaborate effectively within diverse teams. This experience, she believes, was indispensable. "I don't know if I would have Flawless without first understanding what it means to be a good employee and worker," she states, acknowledging the profound impact of her corporate experiences on her entrepreneurial success. Yoadan hopes these traits resonate with her team at Flawless Events: "Hard work, clear communication, claiming my seat at any table, and assertiveness are some of the traits I've carried through, and I hope my team embraces and adopts them."Being a Good CEO vs. FounderIn a candid reflection, Yoadan shares her nuanced perspective on success and leadership in business. "Success is subjective," she begins, crediting her team's passion and talent as key to Flawless Events' achievements. However, Yoadan frankly addresses her limitations as a CEO. 'Though we've excelled at hosting events globally, I realize I didn't necessarily become a better CEO. In many aspects of leadership, I fall short," she admits, hinting at the possibility of eventually passing the CEO baton to someone more equipped for the broader leadership role.According to Yoadan, effective CEO leadership involves more than overseeing operations; it's about setting direction and goals, identifying key personnel, shaping company culture, and determining risk tolerance. A CEO should 'embody and represent what the company stands for,' ensuring internal and external growth. However, Yoadan's primary focus has always been more on delivering 'flawless' events than on broader CEO responsibilities.Yoadan's insights offer a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs: "Loving what you do doesn't automatically mean business success." Recognizing the gap between one's craft and business acumen is crucial. "Being great at your craft, like making jewelry or coding, is just the start. Building a sustainable business requires a different skill set," she explains, highlighting the importance of partnering with business-savvy individuals.Reflecting on her journey, Yoadan acknowledges, "I wish I'd realized this distinction sooner. Flawless is financially stable and attracts talent, yet its potential is far greater." She attributes this limitation to her leadership approach. Her experience underscores that passion and expertise in one's field should be paired with solid business acumen, personally or through strategic partnerships, for a business to reach its full potential. She offers grounded advice: "Define what a successful business looks like for you and build that instead of getting caught up in the fanfare of owning a business."15FEATURE STORY SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COM“Loving what you do doesn't automatically mean business success. Being great at your craft, like making jewelry or coding, is just the start. Building a sustainable business requires a different skill set.”“Hard work, clear communication, claiming my seat at any table, and assertiveness are some traits I’ve carried through.”DECEMBER 2023

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confidence: "We had the comfort of knowing if it doesn't work out, we can return."Yoadan's advice to others contemplating a similar path is to remain adaptable. "Know what you want and be willing to adapt to the realities on the ground rather than searching for the preconceived expectations you come with," she advises. “Know what you want and be willing to adapt to the realities on the ground rather than searching for the preconceived expectations you come with.”“I believe that others define one's legacy – my actions may impact some positively and others negatively. I don't shape my life or work thinking about how this will impact others watching. Instead, I navigate my path based on my own set of expectations. Ultimately, if my actions create an impact and forge a legacy, that's for others to judge, not for me to define.”16FEATURE STORYAn Unconventional Approach to LegacyYoadan offers a pragmatic perspective on legacy and impact, diverging from conventional views. “I believe that others define one's legacy,” she asserts, recognizing that her actions might resonate differently with different people. For Yoadan, her focus isn't on crafting a specific legacy or how others perceive her actions. “I don’t shape my life or work thinking about how this will impact others watching,” she candidly shares. Her driving force lies in the standards she sets for herself, not external validation or recognition. “If what I do creates impact and legacy, it’s for others to judge, not for me to define,” Yoadan concludes, embodying a philosophy where personal expectations and self-accountability are paramount, leaving the judgment of impact and legacy in the hands of those who observe and are influenced by her journey. SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMFor more interviews go to www.SpotlightEthio.com The Realities for Returning DiasporasWhen transitioning from the West to Ethiopia, or Africa in general, Yoadan dismisses the notion of a one-size-fits-all blueprint for diaspora success. "It's a very unique and personal journey," she explains. Her own shift to entrepreneurship was neither planned nor expected. "I had no intention of starting a business when I came to Ethiopia for vacation; owning a business has never been a desire. I was actually exploring to see if I could find a job," Yoadan reveals.What ultimately rooted her in Ethiopia was a deep sense of home and belonging, feelings shared by like-minded individuals she encountered. The decision to move and start a business was as much about timing as it was about readiness to embrace challenges. "As a family, the stars aligned for us, and we had to take the chance," Yoadan recounts, underlining the importance of being open to new possibilities. She also acknowledges the safety net that gave her family.DECEMBER 2023

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AROUND AFRICA17Ola (Orekunrin) Brown Julius MwaleDr. Ola Brown is the founding partner of Healthcare Capital Africa, an investment company that has invested in 30 startups in fintech and healthtech and has a pipeline of almost $800 million in healthcare, clean energy, and clean water infrastructure projects across the continent. Julius Mwale is renowned as one of Africa’s leading businessmen. After the success of his technological security company, the billionaire committed over $2 billion to developing a fully green Smart City in Kenya rooted in technology, healthcare, and sustainability.Desmond Koney is the CEO of Complete Farmer. This end-to-end agri-tech platform aims to revolutionize the agriculture value chain by connecting African farmers with global markets, resources, and data. Recently, the start-up raised $10.4 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. Desmond KoneyBaratang Miya is a social entrepreneur and the founder of GirlHype, a non-profit that uses digital education to empower girls and young women to code, write the web, and learn about e-commerce. Since 2003, the enterprise has reached tens of thousands of girls and women in South Africa.Baratang MiyaAROUND AFRICA SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMDECEMBER 2023

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BOARDWALK EVEGlobal Startup Awards Africa SummitFounders Live is an unforgettable happy hour competition sweeping the globe—and now it’s coming to Addis Ababa. With a global founder community and startup pitch competition, it gives local early-stage startups and entrepreneurs a platform to shine. It will showcase five founders, 99-second pitch competitions, real-time audience voting, live Q&A, and inspiring leadership. Get to know your local entrepreneurs at the January 11, 2024 event at Bellevue Hotel & Spa.6th ET Real Estate & Home ExpoThe highly anticipated 6th ET Real Estate & Home Expo will be the most extensive exhibition for real estate developers, home accessories providers, and potential buyers in Ethiopia. With the mission to bridge the gap between potential real estate consumers and Ethiopian real estate developers, it’s expected to reel in over 2,000 visitors and 25 exhibitors. Organized by 251 Communications & Marketing PLC, the expo will run for two days on Dec 30 & 31, 2023 at Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2024 The 6th Africa Tech Summit Nairobi, taking place live on February 14 & 15, 2024 at the Sarit Expo Center, will connect tech leaders from the African ecosystem and international players. The event connects over 1000 industry leaders, 700 companies, and 150 speakers via four tracks, workshops, expos, and fantastic networking opportunities. The four tracks include: the Africa Money & DeFi Summit, the Africa Climate Tech & Investment Summit, the Africa Startup Summit, and The Africa Mobile & App Summit. Africa Fine Coffee Conference & ExhibitionThe 20th African Fine Coffees Conference & Exhibition and Coffee Week is Africa’s largest coffee trade platform, bringing over 2000 regional and international coffee roasters, traders, producers, professionals, and connoisseurs under one roof. The event will have a fantastic line-up of regional and internationally acclaimed speakers & trainers, coffee field visits, a cupping pavilion, and recreational activities. It will be held from February 6-10, 2024 at Millenium Hall in Addis.18BOARDWALK AVE SPOTLIGHTETHIO.COMDECEMBER 2023

Spotlight Ethio Magazine Issue 8

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